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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-11
6
Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
EAU47551
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridge The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on the center- stand. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set- tles.
4. Remove the engine oil dipstick and wipe it clean, insert it back into the
hole (without screwing it in), and
then remove it again to check the
oil level.TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Tightening torque: Spark plug:13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
610. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few min-utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
12. Install the cowling.
EAU20070
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU47560
To check the coolant level 1. Place the vehicle on the center- stand.TIP●
The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.
●
Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-ant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below theminimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir breather hose
from the guide, and then remove
the coolant reservoir cap.1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6
4. Add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the coolant
reservoir cap. WARNING! Re-
move only the coolant reservoir
cap. Never attempt to remove
the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
[EWA15161]
NOTICE: If
coolant is not available, use dis-
tilled water or soft tap water in-
stead. Do not use hard water or
salt water since it is harmful to
the engine. If water has been
used instead of coolant, replace
it with coolant as soon as possi-
ble, otherwise the cooling sys-
tem will not be protected against frost and corrosion. If
water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
[ECA10472]
5. Route the coolant reservoir breath-
er hose through the guide as
shown.
EAU47573
To change the coolant1. Place the vehicle on the center- stand.
2. Remove cowlings A and C. (See page 6-8.)
3. Place a container under the engine to collect the used coolant.
4. Remove the radiator cap retaining bolt, radiator cap retainer and radi-
ator cap. WARNING! Never at-
tempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
[EWA10381]
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir breather hose
3. Guide
3
1
2
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1. Coolant reservoir breather hose
2. Guide
2
1
1. Radiator cap
2. Radiator cap retaining bolt
3. Radiator cap retainer
2
3
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
6
13. Install the radiator cap.
14. Install the coolant reservoir cap.
15. Start the engine, let it idle for sev-
eral minutes, and then turn it off.
16. Remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap, radiator cap retainer and radi-
ator cap retaining bolt. 17. Check the coolant level in the res-
ervoir. If necessary, remove the
coolant reservoir cap, add coolant
to the maximum level mark, and
then install the cap.
18. Route the coolant reservoir breath- er hose through the guide as
shown. 19. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
20. Install the cowlings.
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio: 1:1
Recommended antifreeze: High-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze containing corrosion inhibi-
tors for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Radiator capacity (including all
routes):2.00 L (2.11 US qt, 1.76 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark): 0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1. Radiator cap
2. Radiator cap retaining bolt
3. Radiator cap retainer
2
3
1
1. Coolant reservoir breather hose
2. Guide
2
1
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![YAMAHA XJ6-S 2012 Owners Manual PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
6
the engine, otherwise fuel may
leak, creating a fire hazard.
[EWA12463]
9. Install the fuel tank bolts.
10. Install the panels.
11. Install the seat.
EAU3430 YAMAHA XJ6-S 2012 Owners Manual PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
6
the engine, otherwise fuel may
leak, creating a fire hazard.
[EWA12463]
9. Install the fuel tank bolts.
10. Install the panels.
11. Install the seat.
EAU3430](/manual-img/51/52609/w960_52609-64.png)
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
6
the engine, otherwise fuel may
leak, creating a fire hazard.
[EWA12463]
9. Install the fuel tank bolts.
10. Install the panels.
11. Install the seat.
EAU34301
Adjusting the engine idling
speed The engine idling speed must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted as
follows at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
The engine should be warm before
making this adjustment.
Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, adjust it to specification by
turning the idle adjusting screw. To in-
crease the engine idling speed, turn the
screw in direction (a). To decrease the
engine idling speed, turn the screw in
direction (b).
TIPIf the specified idling speed cannot be
obtained as described above, have a
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment.
1. Hose
1. Original position (paint mark)
1
1
1. Idle adjusting screw
1
(a)
(b)
Engine idling speed: 1250–1350 r/min
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
6
EAU21384
Checking the throttle grip free
play The throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21401
Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21503
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10441
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.●
The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).
●
The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, cargo, and ac-
cessories approved for this
model.
1. Throttle grip free play
1
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6
EAU23025
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.NOTICE
ECA10583
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle, riding
in the rain or riding in wet areas.1. Clean the drive chain with kero-sene and a small soft brush.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging
the O-rings, do not clean the
drive chain with steam cleaners,
high-pressure washers or inap-
propriate solvents.
[ECA11121]
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant. NOTICE: Do not use
engine oil or any other lubri-
cants for the drive chain, as they may contain substances that
could damage the O-rings.
[ECA11111]
EAU23095
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711]
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or
engine oil
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6
EAU42363
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition. Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
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